"The combination of exclusive V12 dynamics and cultivated roadster pleasure was already unique in the previous model. We are certain that, with the new SL65 AMG, we have developed a stunning high-performance automobile beyond compare for a small, but loyal fan base," says Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The intelligent lightweight design of the bodyshell also contributes to the reduction of fuel consumption. A key element in the improved fuel efficiency is the result of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed transmission, the ECO stop/start function, and improvements to the internal efficiency of the engine and alternator management. Despite a considerable improvement in fuel economy, the peak output of the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine is up from 604 hp to 621 hp. The maximum torque stands at a mighty 738 lb-ft.
This unparalleled output provides amazing propulsion for the new SL65 AMG – acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.9 seconds. Top speed in the U.S. market stands at 186 mph. The key attributes of the AMG biturbo twelve-cylinder include its heart-stopping acceleration, and seamless power delivery combined with a distinctive AMG V12 soundtrack. In short, the SL65 AMG captures the imagination with its refined, stylish performance.
The AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine (M 279) is based on the previous M 275 unit and has been extensively developed for its application in the new SL65 AMG. New turbochargers with an enlarged spiral cross-section, new manifolds and wastegate channels optimized for airflow deliver an additional 17 hp. The multi-spark ignition with twelve twin ignition coils not only makes for smoother running, but also works together with a new, more powerful engine management and optimized cylinder heads to provide even more effective combustion. The outcome is fewer exhaust emissions, which is also in large part due to the optimized catalytic converter system.
The redeveloped AMG sport exhaust system incorporates a modified pipe layout for improved flow coupled with a weight reduction of seven pounds resulting from reduced wall thicknesses.
And it is not just the inner attributes of the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine that are stunning – the engine also looks inspiring. The carbon-fiber and aluminum engine cover further underscores the exceptional nature of the powerful twelve- cylinder that lies beneath. AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed transmission For the first time, AMG is combining the 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed transmission. The wide ratio spread of the seven- speed automatic transmission delivers significantly lower revving and helps in the reduction of fuel consumption. A new fuel-economy torque converter, reduced- friction bearings and transmission oil thermal management further increase the efficiency of transferring power to the wheels.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed transmission features four individual drive programs that can be selected at the touch of a button on the center console – Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+) and Manual (M). The ECO stop/start function is always active in C mode. For the greatest sense of involvement and dynamics, there is the automatic double-declutch function for downshifting, as well as brief and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection during upshifting under full load. The latter also reduces shift times. Intelligent lightweight design featuring all-aluminum body-in-white and carbon Compared to the steel construction of the previous model, the all-aluminum body-in- white of the new SL65 AMG delivers weight savings, as well as superior stiffness, safety and comfort. Intelligent lightweight design also means optimizing components for their specific application. For instance, an array of different aluminum processes come into play - components are made using gravity die casting or vacuum pressure casting, worked into extruded profile or used as aluminum sheet with varying wall thicknesses. The results are a high degree of stiffness and safety and improved vibration characteristics. Engineers made use of the even lighter magnesium for part of the cover behind the fuel tank. High-strength steel tubes are integrated into the A- pillars for reasons of safety. Further weight reduction comes courtesy of the rear decklid. The internal frame is made from carbon composite material. The plastic exterior shell is then fastened to the extremely stiff carbon component with adhesive. The result is a weight saving of eleven pounds compared with a conventional rear lid. The innovative solution is being used initially in AMG's SL models. The outcome of the many lightweight design innovations is that the curb weight of 4,299 pounds for the new SL65 AMG is 254 pounds less than that of the previous model.
Mercedes will make the world debut of the stylish concept based on the new A-class not at a formal auto show with serious German executives wearing dull gray suits and intoning about market share and engineering excellence, but rather at a "multidisciplinary festival" in April in Los Angeles called "Transmission LA: Audio Visual Club curated by Mike D." Yes, that's the same Mike D who is front man for the seminal hip-hop act the Beastie Boys.
Let us explain. Transmission LA is a 17-day festival of art, music, film and food that will take place at the Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. This is the second such festival, after one in Berlin last year curated by fashion designer Raf Simons. But the L.A. fest will be the first one to feature the world debut of a car. Mercedes helped sponsor the gig, so it got to include something of its own among the artwork. But rather than a GLK or the S, it went with something that should be appropriately hip. Or hip hop. We'll see.
As curator, Mike D will figure out where and how the Concept Style Coupe will be presented, but definitely look for it to be surrounded by "art."
MARK VAUGHN We asked Mike D if he, as a successful recording artist, had a garage full of cool cars. We figured a Lamborghini or a Bentley was pretty much required of any member of the hip-hop nation worth his or her bling.
"Well, I live in New York," was all he said to that question. Just as nobody walks in L.A., nobody drives in New York.
The L.A. event will be less like an art exhibit and more like a place you can hang out.
"When I was first approached about doing this, I thought I wanted to do not only visual art but also music, DJs, food, the complete sensory experience," Mike D said.
The food will include some by Kogi Korean BBQ food truck chef Roy Choi, whose spicy tacos we first tasted when he was serving them out of the back of a converted Scion xB at another car-related art happening in L.A.
"We'll be there every day cooking something new," said Choi.
With Mercedes taking part in the event, Choi said he might even work some knockwurst into his tacos and try a kimchee effect on some sauerkraut. We haven't been disappointed yet.
As you might guess, Mercedes is hoping to use this setting to draw a slightly different audience for this car.
Source:AutoWeek
